has now entering the debates against george w. bush. he had a reputation as a strong debater. his body language was off, he was condescending to bush. bush was surprisingly well performed and personable. you had the bush campaign take advantage of some mistakes that gore made in the debate. and they really drove a story. cheney beat lieberman in the vice presidential debates. all those things came together and political scientists call it a wave effect. cause out with bush ahead a few points. >> couldn't you just say for an idiot, he was surprisingly well inform informed in say what you're feeling. >> i've never thought bush was an idiot. >> why would you say surprisingly well informed? he was governor for -- he had a higher grade point average than al gore. >> because bush had a reputation -- >> with who? >> among people who cover him and among-mf. >> the media, you mean? >> a significant portion of the american people. >> i'm playing with you. i read what you tweeted, that you're ready for some debating with morning joe and at s